Automated Test Director

The major component of the system is the Automated Test Director, which is based on FTA’s Flight Data System (FDS). The system can simultaneously measure and log up to 1,000 sensor signals at a rate of 10 samples per second. The Automated Test Director provides:

• Operator interface for the monitoring and control of the engine.
• Automated conduct of the test procedures assuring both safe operation and test precision.
• Significant parameter limit monitoring to assure for safe operations in both manual and automated modes. The system checks conditions and assures that monitored values are within test limitations prior to proceeding to the next step in the operation. The system protects the engine from damage and protects the test integrity by providing operator oversight and test management.
• A means for parameter measurement and for data logging and post processing.
• An independent display and logging capability for observers with their own personal computers.

The system is designed to provide the most reliable operations. The principal components of the system are:

• Real Time Controller
  The Real Time controller is a PXI based computer
  system that operates in real time. The lack of a windows graphical user
  interface and other needless operations greatly reduces the chances of
  system lockup and frees up significant processor time.
   
• Operator Interface Computer
  This system provides the primary
  operator interface for test parameter monitoring, test control, and test
  article control. The desktop personal computer takes operator inputs from
  a touch screen interface, wireless mouse, and wireless keyboard. An
  operator display screen is available to both the right and the left operator’s
  station.
   
• Observer Interface
  The system has provisions for observer systems to
  monitor the test operations. An observer can plug into the system network
  and operate observer software that allows the observer to both display
  and log data.